311 (album)
311 is the third studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 11, 1995, by Capricorn Records. The album contains the successful singles "Don't Stay Home", "All Mixed Up", and "Down", and was certified triple platinum with sales of over three million copies.
Reception
AllMusic's Peter Stepek was positive towards the album, saying "These riff-heavy and radio-ready songs are underscored by a tight drum sound, the scratching of turntables, and the crunch of heavy guitars: a formidable backdrop for this surprisingly melodic effort. The rhythms of reggae and ska percolate through this mix, and the harmonies of Nick Hexum and S.A. Martinez lend the band an edge not found in the majority of bands that feature rapping over rock beats." Rolling Stone says the album has "ear candy with good beats" and remarks that the band is "remarkably adept at genre juggling". They also noted the band's "Beasties-cum-Chili Peppers traits" and "a potent reggae undertow".Track listing
- "Hive" interpolates lyrics of "It Takes Two" by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, with interpolated lyrics written by Robert Ginyard.
- "Misdirected Hostility" was written in reference to the violence between the Phunk Junkeez and their back-up vocalist K-Tel Disco.
- ”Jackolantern’s Weather” was going to have a music video, released around Halloween, but the band declined because “they said they were tired.”
- The initial pressing of the album was distributed by "RED" and later re-pressed and distributed by Mercury Records in 1996.
Outtakes
- "Who's Got the Herb?"
- "Next ", "Sweet " without SA's vocal and "Firewater" at its normal speed. "Juan Bond", "Next", and "Firewater " were later officially released in 2015 on the 311 ARCHIVE box set.
Personnel
- Nick Hexum – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Chad Sexton – drums, percussion
- Tim Mahoney – lead guitar
- P-Nut – bass
- S. A. Martinez – vocals, scratches
Production
- Ron Saint Germain – producer, recording, mixing
- 311 – producers
- Scott Ralston – recording, mixing
- John Ewing Jr. – assistant engineer
- Joe Gastwirt – mastering
- Mastered at Oceanview Studios
- Diane Painter – art direction
- Terry Robertson – design
- Catherine Wessel – photography